Murder of James J. Smith
Robert Harris, perpetrator | |
| Date | November 20, 1932 |
|---|---|
| Time | Noon |
| Location | 1429 DuBois Street, Detroit |
| Also known as | Detroit Voodoo Murder |
| Perpetrator | Robert Harris aka Robert Karriem |
| Arrests | Robert and Bertha Harris, Ugan Ali, and W.D. Fard |
| Sentence | Robert Harris committed to state hospital |
The murder of James J. Smith occurred on November 20, 1932, when he was stabbed and bludgeoned to death by Allah Temple of Islam member Robert Harris in what he described as a human sacrifice. Contemporary press labeled it the "Voodoo Murder". The killing led to the technical dissolution of the organization, which was reconstituted under the name Nation of Islam.